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The Faith ConnectionVolume 13, Number 3May/June 2021News and ideas for your health ministry—courtesy of thePittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry ProgramCelebrating 30 Years of ServicePart of Pittsburgh Mercy and Trinity Health,Serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy.NursesInsideA Nurses Poem1Pastoral Care Conference 2FCN Course—Oct 20212Retreat Reflections3Spiritual Direction3Ministry Support Meetings 4Westberg Institute4Self-Care & Prayer5Mental Health5Vaccine Clinic Volunteers 6Christian Faith Tradition 6What is a Health Minister 6Read of the Month7Memorial Day & Flag Day 7Our Email & Facebook7Honoring Parents8Physical Activity8Virtual Consultations8COVID Toolbox9FCN Scope & Standards10Documentation System10Health Observances11Next E-Newsletter11The Faith ConnectionNurses are indeed professionalswith important work to do.We always do the best we canto bring you back your health.so you get back to what you do—so you get back to being you!We don’t ask for loud ovation;we don’t ask for your applause.But the next time thatyou need a nurseplease take a little pauseto remember what a nurse doesis part of a bigger cause;to get you back to what you do—so you get back to being you!By Daniel Mark EstromMay/June 2021Page 1
Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Programpart of the Planning Team forThe 20th Annual Pittsburgh Pastoral Care Conference“for shepherds and other caregivers of the flock”Friday, May 21, 2021 in Virtual Format“Emerging with God’s Grace: Care, Counseling & Ministry after the Pandemic”For details about this Free Online Conference or registration,visit at https://www.pghpcc.org/Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry ProgramFaith Community Nurse & Health Minister Preparation CourseFoundations of Faith Community Nursing CurriculumWestberg Institute for Faith Community Nursing5 Dates: October 1, 2, 16, 22 & 23, 2021 (Fridays and Saturdays)Join us and enroll in the Fall Course today! Open to registered nurses and anyone interested inwhole-person health balancing body, mind, and spirit. Hybrid course: Virtual format (Zoom meetings) and onlinemodules. Five (5) course dates via Zoom (Fridays & Saturdays):October 1, 2, 16, 22 and 23. Full attendance r equir ed. Class size is limited to 20 participants, so apply early! Early registration discount is available with course application. Limited, partial scholarships availableupon request. Each RN who attends the entire 5 days, completes the online modules, and completes an evaluation formfor each module is awarded a certificate for 39.25 nursing continuing education credits (CEs). TheUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursingeducation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC).UPMC and ANCC do not endorse any commercial products as a result of this CE activity. Varity of course instructors who value adult learning activities and group discussion. Participants are commissioned on the last day as the following: RNs as faith community nurses and allothers as health ministers. Each participant is awarded a special certificate upon commissioning. For course application and more details, visit this link at https://bit.ly/3dNzhUkThe Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Course Cohort 2020Page 2
Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry ProgramVirtual Day Retreat 2021 Gathering ReflectionsOn Saturday mid-morning, April 17, 2021 the Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Programhosted their Annual Day Retreat titled “From Darkness into Light: Encountering the Heart of Christ” via avirtual format (Zoom invitation only). It was a special time of contemplation, prayer, music, self-reflection,learning and fellowship.Our retreat facilitator and spiritual director Dr. Carolyn (Carrie)Nickerson brought her insight, expertise, and creativity to thisspecial group of 15 retreatants. The purpose of the retreat was tospend time away from our busy lives and to focus on self and Creator.We learned about contemplative prayer and to pay attention to whatemerges inside us as we listen to music, practice silence, and listen tospecific words in Scripture. Many of us left our day together with acommitment for a deeper prayer life and an appreciation to ourCreator for contemplative healing that is most needed during this challenging time in our world.We are grateful that our retreatants chose to spend their Saturday with us so that we could encourageeach other in our ministries and professional work. May we feel renewed and spiritually stronger to leadour faith communities through our ministries of health and healing. May God bless our retreatants as theycontinue to serve God in their families, faith communities, and neighborhoods.We closed our retreat with “Suscipe” from Ignatius of Loyola:Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my intellect, and my will—all that I have and possess.Everything I have and think of as my own,You have given to me, now I return it!Everything is yours, do with it what You will.Give me only the grace to love You, this is enough for me.What is Spiritual Direction?Do you have a desire to get-to-know God on a deeper level? Do you want topay more attention to your thoughts and feelings as you pray? Do you want aspiritual companion to help you respond to God’s Spirit for a deeper andmore intimate relationship? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions,then maybe Spiritual Direction is something to consider. To learn more aboutSpiritual Direction, contact the Mercy Parish Nurses or visit this link https://bit.ly/3xpgTsJThe Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Page 3
Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Program OfferingHealth Ministry Virtual Meetings . . . Peer Support, Learning & Conversation(3rd Tuesday evening of every month at 7:00 pm ET)Goal: To emphasize the importance of networking, fellowship, learning andpeer support for faith community nurses and health ministers as they assist theircongregations and local community to better health and well-being.Target Audience: Faith Community Nurses, Health Minsters, Registered Nurses,Licensed Practical Nurses, Clergy/Laity, and anyone interested in learning aboutwholistic care approach (whole-person health) as we commit to health advocacyand education of others.Our Five (5) Remaining 2021 Meetings: May 18, June 15, September 21, October 19, and November 16. Eachsession lasts one hour. These virtual offerings are at no cost. No preparation is needed by participants.Content Discussion: Focusing on the intentional care of the spirit, the promotion of whole-person health, theprevention of disease, creative ministry programming, and current challenges in ministry. Each monthly session willinvite participants to a specific topic of interest. One of our Health Ministry Specialists from the Pittsburgh MercyParish Nurse Team will facilitate and present a brief learning activity such as a PowerPoint presentation, a video clip,short article, or a case study. There will be time for Q&A by using peer discussion and brainstorming. Dependingupon the number of participants, the facilitator will use virtual break-out rooms for small group discussion to occur.Each participant will receive educational tools and resources to be added to their health ministry “toolbox” for futureuse with clients and healthcare consumers. Each participant will be asked to complete an evaluation within 10 daysafter the session. Participants can suggest topics of interest for future virtual sessions. Each participant is welcome tocontact the Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Team for a follow-up virtual mentoring session.Tips about Our Time Together Allow time and space for expression of ideas, suggestions & concerns Questions are encouraged there is no foolish question No need to be present at every session Doesn’t matter if you are a novice or expert Safe, non-threatening learning environment No cost for sessions or provided written materialsRegistration must include:1) First & last name2) Date & time of desiredsession3) Email address4) Phone number5) Role/title and name offaith community and/ororganizationRegistration is required in order for each participant to receive the Zoomlink, meeting ID, passcode, and agenda. Dial-in option is available.Registration deadline is by 3:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time in US and Canada) on the date of your choice. Space is limited,so early registration is suggested. For questions or registration, please send email toParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.org or call 412.232.5815 and leave a clear and detailed message.Staying Connected with Peers in Faith Community NursingThe Westberg Institute Knowledge Sharing PlatformHow do Faith Community Nurses stay connected after they are commissioned and begin their journey in healthministry? One such avenue is by connecting via an online community such as the Westberg Institute KnowledgeSharing Platform. Currently there are over 1,600 nurses and 90 groups focusing on different health topicssuch as diabetes, heart disease, etc. The platform is a great way to be encouraged and supported. This is an excellentresource that one can receive quick, virtual assistance for questions regarding topics of interest and locating experts inhealth ministry and spiritual care. There are different groups that one can join such as “nursing educators” as well asregional and denominational groups. If interested, request an invitation to the platform by visiting ing-platform/The Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Page 4
Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health MinistryVirtual Candle MeditationsHealth Ministry Prayer Gatherings 2021Do you need a sacred space and time set-aside for peace and quiet reflection during this challenging time inour world? Do you desire to give to your family and others, but could use some extra encouragement andsupport? Do you want to learn more about self-compassion? Do you have a need to connect with others inprayer and contemplation? Do you want to experience spiritual awareness and spiritual care in a virtualsetting?Please attend our Virtual Candle Meditation which is a brief prayer gathering. It is a wonderful opportunityto experience spiritual awareness and group faith sharing through a virtual learning setting. We invite all tothis quiet place and time as we allow ourselves to prayerfully reflect on our own whole-person health .balancing body, mind, and spirit. The emphasis is on the importance of self-care and connection with ourCreator. In our busy lives, we sometimes feel overwhelmed to the point of neglecting our spiritual needs. Werisk little to pour out and then burn out. We invite all to safe, better health and well-being.These virtual offerings are at no cost. It is intended for faith community nurses,health ministers, church volunteers, clergy, registered nurses, health careprofessionals, licensed professional counselors, social workers, Pittsburgh Mercyemployees, and anyone interested as we continue our commitment to advocatingfor and serving others in need.Each offering begins at 7:00 p.m. ET. Below are the three (3) remaining 2021dates and topics:1) Summer Solstice, June 10, Thursday2) Welcome Autumn, September 16, Thursday3) Winter Frost, December 14, TuesdayAGENDA Welcome Opening Prayer Candle Meditation Group FaithSharing Closing PrayerRegistration is required in order for each participant to receive the Zoom link, meeting ID, passcode, andagenda. Dial-in option is available. Registration deadline is by 3:00 p.m. ET on the date of your choice. Toregister send email to ParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.org or call 412.232.5815 and leave a clear and detailedmessage with the following information:1) First and last name2) Date and time of desired session3) Email address4) Your phone number5) Your role or title and the name of your faith community or organization.May is Mental Health MonthEach year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mentaldisease. Many find help and hope but many are ashamed and try to managetheir mental illness alone. Faith Community Nurses and Health Ministers arecalled to reach out to individuals in our faith communities who arechallenged with mental illness. We need to remind them that they are not alone as well as advocateand support them. To learn more, visit the link for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) athttps://bit.ly/32VIP9XThe Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Page 5
Pittsburgh Mercy Parish NursesServing at the COVID Vaccine ClinicsIn January, the Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse Team (L to R: Sr. RebeccaNolan, Amy Armanious, and Kathy Conrad) began serving as RN observers atthe Pittsburgh Mercy’s vaccination clinic. They are part of a much larger teamof Pittsburgh Mercy employees and volunteers at the Vaccination Clinics. Notonly do the Mercy Parish Nurses observe for side-effects with newlyvaccinated individuals, but there is also teaching and support that takes place. It is a rewardingexperience to give to those vulnerable populations who are in need as we all battle the challengeswith this Covid Pandemic. The Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurses aim to serve others in the way thatJesus did many years ago with hope, joy, peace and faithful love.In addition, Pittsburgh Mercy is seeking volunteers to assist at our COVID Vaccine Clinics.If interested in volunteering, please call the Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse Office at412.232.5815 or email ParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.orgTherefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the workof the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.1 Corinthians 15:58 NRSVMay we come together in our own unique Christian faith tradition and celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ!Ascension— May 21Pentecost— May 31To learn more, visit these 2 links athttps://bit.ly/3vnnsumhttps://bit.ly/3gG8sTWWhat is the Health Minister Role?If you are a health minister or are considering becoming a health minister, TheHealth Minister Role: Guidelines and Foundational Curriculum Elements,2nd Edition, 2018 is an excellent resource.Key topics that are addressed in this book include but are not limited to: Educational Preparation for Health Ministers Role Identification & Guidelines for the Health Minister Code of Ethics & Conduct Authority & Responsibilities of Health Minister Accountability, Professional Responsibility, & Legal Considerationsof a Health Minister Areas of Health Promotion and Wholeness Activities for Health Ministers Settings for Whole Person Health Outreach Sample Job Description for a Health MinisterTo learn more, visit the Health Ministries Association (HMA) website athttp://bit.ly/3bUlMjCThe Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Page 6
READ OF THE MONTHRenewing You:A Priest, a Psychologist , and a Plan.by Rev. Dr. Nicholas G. Louh &Dr. Roxanne K. LoubISBN: 978-1-944967-84-0Sometimes as life goes by day after day, some of us getcaught up with questioning our true purpose in this world.Changes in our family, career, advanced education, health,friendships, faith community, volunteerism, andneighborhoods encourage us to take stock of our spirituallife.If you are questioning your life purpose and want torediscover your reason for living, then this is the book foryou. If you want to center yourself in your spiritual healthand desire to be renewed this summer, then take time out of your busy schedule andread this book.Father Nick and Dr. Roxanne Loub are a dynamic married couple who want their readersto live healthier and productive lives. Yet for many, we get sidetracked by unhealthyhabits which lead to discouragement and a lack of spiritual growth. Renewing You givesits readers tools that can build better life habits and stronger relationships with familyand friends. It is a wonderful mixture of practical sense, Scripture verses, stories, andmuch more. So take time for some self-care and reading this summer.“ sometimes in our hurry, to get to where we want to be, God diverts our paths, using ourcircumstances as opportunities to work through us and for us— not only for our own goodbut for the good of those He places along our path. Another thing about our own trialshave taught us is that God’s timing, the ‘right time,’ is not always ‘our time.’” Page 132.Memorial Day— May 31 and Flag Day— June 14This May and June, take some quiet time aside and reflect on thegoodness of our USA and the rich blessings bestowed by theCreator. Two days to help us reflect is Memorial Day and Flag Day.To learn more, visit these two websites:Memorial Day— https://bit.ly/3aGasb0Flag Day— https://bit.ly/3esIkt3Our Email Address:ParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.orgWe enjoy hearing from our E-Newsletterreaders about your faith communityministries. Send an email with a shortdescription of your recent church activity andwe will include it in our section “News fromYou!” If you like, include a photo of yourself too.If you should no longer wish to receive communications from thePittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Program, pleaseunsubscribe by contacting us at 412.232.5815 or email us atParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.org Thank you.The Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Pittsburgh Mercyinvites you to“like” us!Page 7
Honoring Mothers and Fathers in 2021Parenting is hard work especially during this COVID Pandemic. Parents havebeen asked to be even more patient, creative, flexible, and understanding withtheir children during this uncertain time. They are asked to give plenty of assurance that “this timewill pass” and that we will all come out stronger in the end.So this Mother’s Day (5/9/2021) and Father’s Day (6/20/2021) let ushonor in our lives those who are “parents” whether young or old, as weembrace them this year with fun, homemade, creative gifts.To learn more about creative crafts as we honor our mothers andfathers, visit at https://bit.ly/3xloqJ9Celebrate National Physical Fitness & Sports Month— May 2021Faith community nurses and health ministers are role-modelsfor health and wellness. Whole-person health balancing body,mind and spirit is the hallmark of health ministry. Regularphysical activity, eating nutritious foods, drinking water inmoderation, and practicing self-care activities are all importantin every day life. The month of May is Physical Fitness andSports Month. Encourage healthcare consumers and parishioners to get outside this spring andsummer and enjoy the benefits of getting active. People of all ages and body types can be active.Spread the word in bulletin announcements, newsletter articles, Sunday coffee hour table displays,and virtual workshops. To learn more, visit this link https://bit.ly/3vlDYelThe Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurses Virtual Consultation for those in ministry!Every faith community has been impacted by the COVID-19Pandemic. This is a challenging time for all but there is hope aspeople focus on physical distancing, wearing masks, receivingvaccinations, and limit large gatherings. Many faith communitiesare limiting the number of people who attend services at one timeas well as scheduling committee meetings virtually. This requires that spiritual leaders becreative via social media opportunities. Meeting the needs of parishioners in all age groupsrequires time and energy, but it can be done as ministry teams work together.We encourage all faith community nurses and lay ministers to be open to innovative forms ofministry as they meet the needs in their faith community. We would be happy to work withyou, your clergy, and/or faith community team. If interested, contact us at the PittsburghMercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Program at 412.232.5815 or email us atParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.orgWe are only a phone call, email or ZOOM meeting away!The Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Page 8
COVID-19 Toolkit:Updated Recommendations,the Importance ofVaccination,Vaccination Hesitancy,and FAQsAs more people consider receiving their COVID-19 vaccination, it is vital for nurses andother healthcare professionals to help educate and promote safety practices (i.e.physical distancing and wearing a mask) and vaccinations. It’s important to dispel mythsand misconceptions about COVID and vaccines. Asking “What questions or concerns doyou have today? “ when talking to others can help identify knowledge deficit areasregarding Covid and decrease people’s vaccine hesitancy.CDC Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated Peoplehttps://bit.ly/3vh6b6TFact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the Janssen*COVID-19 Vaccine (Jassen Biotech Inc., a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson)https://bit.ly/3uVt7biInterim Clinical Considerations for Use of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Authorizedin the United States includes info re: Second Dose Administration of Moderna & Pfizer Vaccineshttps://bit.ly/3kKxG3JUnderstanding Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccineshttp://bit.ly/2OccfwcCOVID-19 Vaccine FAQs for HealthcareProfessionalsIncludes info on Janssen J&J Vaccinehttps://bit.ly/3bRbqkxCOVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: 10 Tips for Talking with Patientshttps://bit.ly/3chEySmCOVID-19 Vaccines Are One of the Tools We Have to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemichttps://bit.ly/3r3E4p3COVID-19 Vaccines Don’t Have Patient-Tracking Deviceshttp://bit.ly/3b8OkacMyths and Facts about COVID –19 Vaccines http://bit.ly/3b7NMkNUnderstanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines http://bit.ly/3sF3z09V-safe (After vaccination health checker) https://bit.ly/3r7LGqwConsiderations for Communities of Faith https://bit.ly/2TWp0dKFrequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination https://bit.ly/2KbKFgVNEW 4/25/2021: CDC Recommends Use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 VaccineResume (includes link to What if I got or want to get the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine?)https://bit.ly/3vm4yDWThe Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Page 9
Faith Community Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice3rd EditionCo-published by the American Nurses Association (ANA) andthe Health Ministries Association (HMA)The Scope and Standards of Practice for Faith Community Nursing providesa definitive resource for the Faith Community Nurse (FCN) to use in decision-making whenvalidating, or analyzing professional practice. It guides the FCN in practice within:*Preparation and educational programs*Role description and performance evaluations*Policies and procedures * Quality improvement endeavors *Competencies and compliancesWith the nursing process to assess wholistic care –balance of body, mind, and spirit— the FCN usesevidence-based practice for the intentional focus on spiritual well-being through education,counseling, prayer, presence, active listening, and advocacy. As health care delivery expands moreinto the community setting, multiple venues are available for FCNs to provide hope, healing, peace,purpose, trust and contentment – even when apart from cure.With informed attention to ethics, cultural competence, care within life transitions, behavioralhealth, and addiction, the 3rd Edition of the Scope and Standards speaks to the demandingchallenges of current practice. The six standards of practice and ten standards of professionalperformance are the criteria by which all FCNs are held accountable.To learn more, click on this HMA link: https://bit.ly/2BaiGXcElectronic Documentation System for Faith Community NursesThis user-friendly electronic program was designed by FCNs, rigorously tested by FCNs, and iscurrently used by FCNs nationally. This documentation system offers the following:*Documents client problems easily by using a concise list built-in to the system with drop-downboxes (physical, mental, spiritual, social, financial and relational areas)*Rates the problem initially and at follow-up assessments using a 1-5 scale*Demonstrates the outcomes of your FCN interventions See YouTube Video of the Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse DocumentationSystem at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v XNKGJx1Fex8 See our NEW COVID-19 SCREEN for easy documentation oftemperature, added check-boxes for symptoms and pertinentinformation. Plus updated REPORTS to allow for sharing with others asneeded. See this brief YouTube link at on our website athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v e1u5WzlXWmMContact us! ParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.org 412-232-5815See our website for our Demo link at https://bit.ly/2JMKmbuEmail us, if interested in our upgrade Version 7.1 and our NEW COVID-19 SCREEN.The Faith ConnectionMay/June 2021Page 10
Health ObservancesFirst Day of Summer— June 20To encourage others in balancing body,mind, and spirit. Please note: This is not aninclusive list of all health observances.National Cancer Survivors Day – June 6http://bit.ly/3e9gRy0National Lightning Safety Awareness WeekJune 20-26http://bit.ly/2Onn2UxAmerican Stroke Awareness Monthhttps://bit.ly/2XYbSYWMen’s Health Monthhttp://bit.ly/3sSr5a3National Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 9-15https://bit.ly/3c1l97ZNational Migraine & Headache AwarenessMonthhttp://bit.ly/3uSrivSNational Heat Awareness Day – May 28http://bit.ly/3qmENReNational Asthma and Allergy Awareness Monthhttps://bit.ly/34WUbdQPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder AwarenessMonthhttp://bit.ly/3bZfE9POlder Americans Monthhttp://bit.ly/3e39ecy and https://bit.ly/3c1j3VFMental Health Awareness Monthhttp://bit.ly/3bdmwBq and https://bit.ly/3c4EjtNSkin Cancer Awareness Monthhttps://bit.ly/2S09ZXXNational Fireworks SafetyMonthhttps://bit.ly/3et3kQlJuvenile Arthritis AwarenessMonthhttps://bit.ly/32HyazhUV Safety Monthhttps://bit.ly/3epYu6tWorld Hepatitis Day July 28https://bit.ly/3vg6f5PThe Faith ConnectionNational Breastfeeding Monthhttps://bit.ly/3vg8xSmNational Immunization Awareness Monthhttps://bit.ly/3xiaWOlBack to School—Children & Youth Preparednesshttps://bit.ly/32HCQFpChildren’s Eye Health & Safety Monthhttps://bit.ly/3epUqmMThe next edition of “The Faith Connection” isJuly/August 2021. If you have news to share, pleaseemail us by June 15th for thesection “News From You!”May/June 2021Page 11
Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Program elebrating 30 Years of ervice Part of Pittsburgh Mercy and Trinity Health, Serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. Volume 13, Number 3 May/June 2021 Nurses Nurses are indeed professionals with important work to do. We always do the best we can to bring you back your health.
